Man attacked by stranger as he walked home

News Reporter

A man was attacked by a complete stranger for no apparent reason as he walked home in Newarthill.

Ryan James knocked his victim to the ground then stamped and kicked on his head, Hamilton Sheriff Court was told today.

James (38), of Blackburn, West Lothian, admitted assaulting Colin McAdam in Carfin Road on April 19 last year.

Lauren McRobert, prosecuting, said the victim was making his way home from a friend’s house at 11pm when James approached and punched him. Mr McAdam fell and while he lay on the ground James stamped on his head and kicked his head several times before leaving the scene.

Passers-by contacted the police and Mr McAdam was taken to Wishaw General Hospital. His injuries included a black eye and minor bleeding into the eye, but were said by a doctor to be relatively minor.

No explanation for the attack was given, but James’s solicitor said her client had in the past undergone psychiatric treatment.

Sheriff Shiona Waldron called for background reports, deferred sentence until April 29 and allowed James to remain on bail.